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From its urban center to the bountiful farmlands along the St. Francis River, the landscape of St. Francois County is a richly varied one. Visitors can head out on a fishing trip, explore a local farmer's market or enjoy the sights and sounds of Farmington, the largest city in St. Francois County. The county is located among the rolling hills of southeastern Missouri, about an hour south of St. Louis.

Head Out On the Trail

Opportunities for outdoor recreation are never far away in St. Francois County. Hikers and cyclists can get off the beaten path at St. Joe State Park, and explore the county's trails and backroads throughout the county, with some of the most abundant hiking and cycling opportunities to be found. Less than 20 minutes from Farmington, the park includes a 17-mile paved bike path that winds through secluded forests, well-manicured picnic areas and historical areas like the Missouri Mines State Historic Site. The wheelchair-accessible trail is also open to foot traffic. The nearby Pike Run Trail is considerably more rugged and remote and is open to hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. This 13-mile trail passes through one of the park's campgrounds and includes an equestrian staging area with hitching posts, restrooms and ample parking for vehicles and horse trailers.

Sample Local Flavors

The Farmington Farmer's Market is a great place to find local produce, baked goods and other foods. Held at the VFW on Karsch Boulevard every Saturday from April to October -- also on Wednesdays beginning in May -- the market features local farmers and vendors with a wide variety of home-grown crops that vary with the season. You can find everything from fresh asparagus and sweet corn to watermelon and winter squash, along with fresh-baked bread and pastries, homemade jams and fresh herbs. St. Francois County is also home to several wineries and vineyards, including the Francois Winery in Park Hills and the Twin Oaks Vineyard east of Farmington. Both establishments provide wine tastings, vineyard tours and a chance to take some local flavor home with you.

Get Out on the Water

For fishermen, St. Francois County presents a lot of options. St. Joe State Park includes four stocked lakes where you can catch largemouth bass, catfish and crappie. You can launch a boat on all four lakes, but boats are restricted to electric motors and nonpowered craft only. Even if you don't want to fish, these small, secluded lakes are perfect for exploring by canoe or kayak. Nearby St. Francois State Park provides access to the Big River, an excellent fishing spot for smallmouth bass where the water is usually shallow enough for wading in summer. Canoe and kayak launch sites are also provided in the park, and the shallow water keeps motorboats at bay, making the Big River a quiet, peaceful spot to spend a day. A current Missouri fishing license is required to fish anywhere in St. Francois County; get one through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Website or at most bait and tackle shops statewide.

Hit the Town

Farmington is the county seat of St. Francois County as well as its most populous city, and one could easily have an eventful week in St. Francois County without ever leaving the city. Farmington's center is its historic downtown, where many of the city's original brick buildings are still in use as shops, boutiques and cafes. You can attend a play or concert at the Farmington Centene Center, view the war memorials at the old courthouse or search for treasures at the Old Time Flea Market and Country House Antiques. If you have kids -- or even if you don't -- the rollerskating rink at Roller Zone can provide hours of entertainment, and the Family Fun Center offers bowling, indoor miniature golf and arcade games.

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About the Author

Richard Corrigan has been a full-time professional writer since 2010. His areas of expertise include travel, sports and recreation, gardening, landscaping and the outdoors. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from SUNY Geneseo in 2009.